Obesity is not a lifestyle choice. It’s a chronic, relapsing disease shaped by complex interactions between genetic, biological, environmental, behavioural and social factors.1
Today, nearly one in three Canadians is living with obesity. Yet despite its prevalence, it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, leading to significant health, social and economic impacts.2
Together with our partners, we’re working to change how obesity is understood, prevented and treated.
As leaders in obesity science, we are committed to making obesity a healthcare priority, reducing stigma, and improving access to evidence-based care.
1 World Health Organization 2 Obesity Canada
Obesity has a profound impact beyond individual health. It costs Canada an estimated $27.6 billion* each year in direct and indirect costs.3
When we fail to recognize and treat obesity as a chronic disease, the consequences extend across Canada’s healthcare system, workforce and broader economy.
Addressing obesity is not only a health priority; it’s an economic one. By taking action to tackle the obesity epidemic, we can improve people’s lives and save Canada’s economy billions.
Sickle cell disease is a seriously debilitating, life-threatening and life shortening inherited blood disease. It is also the most common genetic blood disease in Canada, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities, particularly those of African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Mediterranean descent.4
More than 6,500 Canadians are living with sickle cell disease and millions more globally.4
Despite its impact, sickle cell disease remains under-recognized. Systemic inequities, limited awareness, and gaps in access to care continue to affect timely diagnosis and treatment.
At Novo Nordisk, we’re working to improve health outcomes for people living with sickle cell disease and provide innovative treatment options.
At Novo Nordisk, partnering is part of our DNA.
We work closely with patients, communities, healthcare providers, governments and not-for-profit organizations across Canada to advance the prevention and management of serious chronic diseases, including diabetes and obesity.
Our work includes support for organizations such as ParticipACTION to promote physical activity, community-led initiatives like Growing Health Places: Mississauga, and partnerships with institutions such as University of Toronto to improve population health and research.
We’re proud of our partnership with Aspect Biosystems to develop a new category of regenerative medicine designed to restore or supplement biological functions in the body and deliver functional cures for serious metabolic and endocrine diseases, including diabetes.5
By investing in Canadian research and innovation, we’re helping to create a lasting impact both at home and around the world by supporting Canada’s biomanufacturing and life sciences ecosystem.